Aberdeen Criminal Lawyer

Aberdeen Criminal Attorney

Aberdeen, a city located in Harford County, Maryland, is home to the Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Proving Ground is the headquarters of the United States Army Test and Evaluation Command. Aberdeen is also known for being the home to the minor league baseball team IronBirds. With all that is going on in Aberdeen, it can be easy to get caught up in trouble. If you are facing criminal charges, allow an Aberdeen Criminal Attorney to assist you.

Courts in Harford County

Harford County has one District Court and one Circuit Court, both located in Bel Air, which is just a short drive from Aberdeen. The District Court operated from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays. There is street parking, a lot in the rear of the building and a garage at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Hickory Street. If taking public transportation, the District Court is on Route 3. The Circuit Court located on W. Courtland Street has metered parking on the streets and a parking garage.

Practice Areas

Under Maryland law, motor vehicle theft is when a person commits theft by taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. When proving the defendant did it, it is often sufficient to show that the defendant broke into the car and drove away without permission. Maryland also criminalizes carjacking, joyriding and failure to return a rental car. Joyriding can be distinguished from regular motor vehicle theft because joyriding is taking a car without permission with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. No matter the offense, a charge can severely alter your future. If you have been charged with motor vehicle theft, contact the Law Offices of Randolph Rice for a free consultation.

There are many guidelines regulating guns, making it very easy for one to be charged violating a handgun law. In Maryland, it is illegal to wear, carry or transport a handgun (concealed or open) without a valid permit. In some circumstances, an individual may transport guns to and from a legal place of sale, repair shop or between residences if the gun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case. These laws are very specific and may easily be misunderstood. However, if one is charged with a handgun crime it is a misdemeanor and can carry prison time and fines. If you are facing a handgun charge there are options and defenses to be considered. Call an Aberdeen criminal lawyer today for a free consultation.

If you are accused or charged with drug possession you could be facing severe punishment. Even a small amount of drugs found on the person can lead to a charge of possession. If it has been the first time that you are charged with possession the maximum penalty is four years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. With changing times, Maryland has altered their laws on possession of marijuana. However, the laws on the books can get confusing and still carry heavy sentences. If you are facing possession of a controlled substance call an experienced Aberdeen criminal attorney today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have been arrested?

If you have been arrested the first thing you should do is contact a criminal defense attorney. The first step in the process is that you will be taken in front of a District Court Commissioner who will determine if probable cause exists to charge you, also known as a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, you may not present evidence but may hear what evidence the State has and cross-examine their witnesses. This is a key step in the process and it is essential that you have an attorney present to ensure that your rights are protected.

What is the process of a criminal trial?

After you have been arrested and charged, you, as the defendant, get to determine if you would like a judge or jury trial. If a jury trial is selected, then jury selection occurs then the trial begins. Opening statements begin the trial, followed by the prosecution presenting their case. Normally a defense attorney will move for a motion to dismiss after the prosecution rests, claiming insufficient evidence to find the defendant guilty. If the motion is denied, the defense presents their case, followed by closing statements then jury deliberation and finally sentencing. This process is very complicated

What is the difference between having a charged dismissed versus having it expunged?

If a case has been dismissed that means the charges have been dropped. Dismissal typically occurs if there is insufficient evidence for conviction of the defendant. If your charges have been dismissed your record will show that you were initially charged, but the case was dismissed. This means that employers may still be able to find out about your arrest. However, if the case was expunged this means that all traces of charges and arrests were deleted from the person’s record. With an expungement employers and others will not be able to know about the arrests or subsequent charges.

If you have been charged or arrested, your future is in limbo. Take back control by calling an Aberdeen criminal lawyer. An experienced attorney will help discuss your options and lay out the best defense for you.

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"Great lawyer! I am so happy that I choose Randolph Rice to represent me for my case. I've used him in the past and he once again did everything he said he was going to do and more. He was understanding of my issue and he was always there to answer my questions and make me feel better about what I was going through. I would not hesitate in referring Mr. Rice to anyone that needs the best lawyer for their case. He returns phone calls, he listens and he works to make sure you get the best outcome, as he did in my case. Thank you again Mr. Rice!!!!"